What Gaydio does

Gaydio is a UK-based LGBTQ+ radio station headquartered in Manchester, founded in 2006 by Ian Wallace and Toby Whitehouse. It operates as a Community Interest Company (Gaydio CIC), with related entities Gaydio Digital Ltd and Gaydio Brighton Ltd. The company launched the UK's first dedicated LGBTQ+ FM radio service in 2010 and expanded nationally in 2013 by taking over Gaydar Radio's broadcast licenses, reaching more than 20 cities and towns via DAB digital radio plus FM in Manchester (88.4FM) and Brighton (97.8FM), with additional distribution through online streaming, iOS and Android apps, and smart speakers.

The core product is a live radio broadcast supported by on-demand replay, a portfolio of original podcasts (Coming Out Stories, The Gossip Gays, Neil & Debbie, Welcome To Hell, All Aboard with Princess Cruises, The Pieces with Bimini, Gaydio In Europe, OUTCAST WORLD, Gaydio Academy Voices), music discovery features, and a free mobile app. Gaydio has extended beyond broadcasting into an ecosystem comprising the Gaydio Academy (free radio and media training in Manchester and Brighton), The Guide (an LGBTQ+ events listing portal), Gaydio Networking events, and the Gaydio Pride Awards (launched 2024 as a flagship annual ceremony).

Gaydio is free to listeners and monetizes primarily through B2B advertising and sponsorship, with named travel-sector partners including BA Euroflyer (British Airways short-haul subsidiary) and Princess Cruises. Distribution and go-to-market rely on community-led and event-driven engagement, supporting Pride festivals and LGBTQ+ events across the UK, supplemented by content-led audience growth via podcasts, competitions, and a VIP Club opt-in newsletter. A 2026 funding round led by Big Issue Invest, with OVO Energy and Warner Music Group participating, indicates external validation and capital to support continued content and event expansion.

Name

Gaydio

Legal name

Gaydio Community Interest Company

Website

https://gaydio.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gaydio is the UK's first dedicated LGBTQ+ FM and DAB radio station, broadcasting music, news, podcasts, and events to LGBTQ+ listeners across 20+ UK cities via digital radio, FM, online streaming, and mobile apps.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Radio Broadcasting and Digital Audio Media

NAICS

Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611), Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161)

SIC

Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

Local Radio Station Groups (Owned & Operated/Station Chains) (MPABACAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE), Radio Streaming & Catch-Up Audio Platforms (MPAIADAJ), Podcast Hosting, Distribution & Listening Platforms (BPAMAJAD)

Keywords

• LGBTQ+ radio broadcasting
• Digital audio streaming
• Podcast production
• Community radio station
• Music entertainment media

Headquarters

HQ city

Manchester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Advertising and Sponsorship: Gaydio generates revenue through advertising sales, with a dedicated 'Advertise with Us' page indicating businesses can reach the LGBTQ+ audience through the station. Sponsorship of specific content and competitions provides additional advertising revenue.
2. VIP Club Membership: Optional free membership program (Gaydio VIP Club) that collects listener data for targeted communications and may include promotional offers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gaydio is the UK's first FM radio station dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, delivering live music, talk, news and podcasts to listeners across the UK via DAB digital radio (20+ cities), FM (Manchester 88.4FM, Brighton 97.8FM), online streaming, iOS/Android apps and smart speakers. Programming combines daily shows, mixshows and original podcasts covering LGBTQ+ culture, travel and entertainment, complemented by community events, the Gaydio Pride Awards, the Gaydio Academy training program and The Guide events portal. Revenue is generated primarily through advertising sales, content sponsorships (e.g., British Airways Euroflyer, Princess Cruises) and free VIP Club data capture.

Product overview

Gaydio is a UK-based LGBTQ+ radio station operating as a multi-platform broadcasting service. The core product is live radio delivered via DAB Digital Radio (20+ cities), FM (Manchester, Brighton), online streaming, and smart speakers. Supporting products include on-demand replay functionality, a portfolio of original podcasts (Coming Out Stories, A Gay Old Time, The Gossip Gays, Welcome To Hell, All Aboard with Princess Cruises, The Pieces with Bimini, Gaydio In Europe, Neil & Debbie, OUTCAST WORLD, Gaydio Academy Voices), music discovery features, and a free mobile app for iOS and Android. The company operates events including the annual Gaydio Pride Awards and Gaydio Networking events, runs the Gaydio Academy providing free radio training, and maintains The Guide events portal. Key shows include Gaydio Breakfast with Dave Cooper, Neil & Debbie on Saturdays, and Craig Law In The Mix. Competitions and travel content partnerships with brands like British Airways Euroflyer and Princess Cruises round out the offering.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Gaydio Academy: Free training program for LGBTQ+ people and allies to build skills in radio and media, with in-person and online training provided.
• Gaydio Pride Awards
• Gaydio Networking
• The Guide

Products and services

• Gaydio Live Radio Free live broadcast radio station for the UK LGBTQ+ community, delivered via DAB Digital Radio in London, Manchester, Brighton, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Liverpool, Bristol, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Portsmouth; FM in Manchester (88.4FM) and Brighton (97.8FM); online streaming at gaydio.co.uk; iOS/Android apps; and smart speakers.
• Gaydio Podcasts On-demand podcast catalogue of original series such as Coming Out Stories, A Gay Old Time, The Gossip Gays, Neil & Debbie, Welcome To Hell, All Aboard with Princess Cruises, The Pieces with Bimini, Gaydio In Europe, OUTCAST WORLD and Gaydio Academy Voices, distributed across major podcast platforms for on-demand LGBTQ+ content.
• Gaydio Mobile App Free native applications for iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play) devices that enable live streaming, on-demand replay of shows, podcast playback, event discovery and direct studio communication via DM.
• The Guide Events Portal Free community events platform allowing LGBTQ+ event organisers to submit listings for inclusion on the Gaydio website and mobile apps, with browsing by date and category for listeners.
• Gaydio Academy Free skills training programme (in-person and online) for LGBTQ+ people and allies covering radio and media production, volunteer engagement and community broadcasting, delivered in Manchester and Brighton.
• Gaydio Pride Awards Annual flagship awards event celebrating contributions to LGBTQ+ culture, with a purple carpet ceremony and recognised award categories, hosted by Gaydio since 2024.
• Gaydio Networking Networking events for the LGBTQ+ community and allied business professionals, held in-person and in partnership with travel brands.
• Gaydio Competitions Branded prize draws and competitions promoted across broadcast, website and social media (e.g., Manchester Village Pride weekend, Caribbean cruises with Princess Cruises, Jane McDonald concert tickets) open to UK residents as a listener engagement and sponsor activation mechanic.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• BA Euroflyer (British Airways short-haul subsidiary)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 October 2025Gaydio launched the third series of its travel podcast 'Gaydio In Europe' in partnership with BA Euroflyer, the short-haul subsidiary of British Airways. The series highlights LGBTQ+ inclusive European destinations and includes a live event with a prize giveaway, promoted through a multi-platform campaign.
• Princess CruisescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGaydio produces the podcast 'All Aboard with Princess Cruises' in partnership with Princess Cruises (brand of Carnival, company number 04039524). The podcast features travel content and travel-themed competitions including a Caribbean cruise prize draw.
• Manchester Village PrideminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership for the 'Win the Ultimate Manchester Village Pride Weekend' competition, offering prizes including weekend wristbands, hotel accommodation at Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre, vouchers for Village Shop, dinner at San Carlo Manchester City Centre, and afternoon tea at Richmond Tea Rooms.
• Proud2Be ParentsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGaydio Academy partnered with Proud2Be parents for the Gaydio Academy Voices podcast episode series on LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week, providing advice for LGBTQ+ people looking to start families.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Gaydio
• Facebookfacebook.com/gaydio
• Instagraminstagram.com/gaydio

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gaydio